EK-FC8800 GTS Full Cover Waterblock
Installation
Published: 7th May 2007 | Source: SpecialTech | Price: |
The installation of the EK FC8800 GTS block is relatively simple, but has the potential to be quite fiddly. As a precautionary method, it's a good idea to work on your graphics card with some sort of anti-static sheeting underneath, or make sure that you remove static charge by grounding yourself thoroughly. Firstly you'll need to prepare your Nvidia 8800 GTS for installation by removing all traces of the manufacturers TIM (Thermal Interface Material). I use ArctiClean as my cleaner of choice.
EK WaterBlocks supply 12 small thermal pads for the MOSFETS at the rear of the card, these simply stick straight on.
The MOSFET cooler heatsink can now be attached to the main body of the waterblock using the included screws. Before fixing though, you need to run a bead of TIM along the underside of the waterblock where the MOSFET cooler will be attached. This is to facilitate heat transfer from the MOSFET cooler to the main body of the waterblock. Just be careful not to over-tighten the screws as you run the risk of stripping the thread when going into the copper waterblock.
Now the graphics card is almost ready to receive the EK FC8800 GTS waterblock. But first we must add some TIM ourselves. I have chosen to use Arctic Silver Ceramique for the RAM modules and Arctic Cooling MX-1 for the GPU.
Now comes the fiddly part. Next you need to carefully align the holes in the waterblock with those on the graphics card itself and gently spread the TIM that was applied earlier. Before placing screws into the holes you need to first place the 8 cardboard gasket washers down, and then the smaller metal washers.
When you have all the screws fitted in finger tight, start by tightening the screws around the GPU first in a diagonal fashion. Head to the MOSFET tailpiece and do the same, then tighten the screws around the HD chip last. Be careful not to overtighten around the HD chip. When all the screws are tight, you should get something like this...
When you have all the screws fitted in finger tight, start by tightening the screws around the GPU first in a diagonal fashion. Head to the MOSFET tailpiece and do the same, then tighten the screws around the HD chip last. Be careful not to overtighten around the HD chip. When all the screws are tight, you should get something like this...
Nope! It looks fine to me...although time will tell.
Now that you've seen how easy the installation of the EK FC8800 GTS is, I'm sure that you're eagerly wanting to see how it performs. Well let's head over to the next page to see how the testing phase will be conducted.
Most Recent Comments
For the price, it simply will not be beat. Intel is really gunning to keep the lead for a while.
I am anxious to see some head to head Barcelona vs. Core 2 Quad benchies.
I am anxious to see some head to head Barcelona vs. Core 2 Quad benchies.
Nice 
Could be excellent for a HTPC system, wonder if they will overclock as well as previous celerons?
Could be excellent for a HTPC system, wonder if they will overclock as well as previous celerons?
Ahem - link 
Good god, under $60! I was thinking of getting a £20 775 cellery for my 2nd rig but i think ill wait now.
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